Message from the President
|
|
The Summerland Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted this month to create three task forces to address three key issues of importance to chamber and community members. These task forces will focus on Housing, Downtown Revitalization and Tourism.
Our Board believes that housing and downtown revitalization are both issues that are important to our business members as keys to success in Summerland. The task forces are being created to address each of these areas. Task force members will be focusing on a limited number of key projects that they can take action on and see through to completion. The projects will be determined by each group during their initial meetings. The task forces efforts will compliment the work of the District of Summerland, which is creating in-depth studies of these areas.
The tourism task force will be charged with developing the strategic plan for tourism for the next few years. This group was last active during the tourism branding project in 2012/2013 and is comprised of a cross-section of chamber members in all areas of the tourism sector.
The task forces will be chaired by Chamber Board Directors as follows:
Task force participation will be at the invitation of the Chairs.
Erick Thompson, President
|
|
|
|
Message from the Executive Director
|
The Chamber hosted a number of Small Business Month activities in October. These included the 2
nd annual Breakfast with the Mayor, a fantastic Business after Business event held at the Beadtrails Experience Store with Saxon Estate Winery, and two workshops; one addressing downtown revitalization and the other on developing export markets for your business. Thank you to all who were able to join us at these events.
Of course, once Thanksgiving is past, we know it’s only a few weeks till Light-Up. This year we are celebrating the 30
th anniversary of the Festival of Lights and its going be a great evening. Let’s start with thank yous! First I’d like to thank our partners in the development of the Festival this year: the
District of Summerland. We couldn’t do it without their tremendous support. I also want to give a big shout out to these wonderful returning sponsors:
ReMax Orchard Country for our Main Stage, The
Summerland Credit Union for Fireworks,
IGA Summerland for Kids Zone and
Nesters for Ice Carvings. Our generous gold sponsors are:
Fortis BC,
RBC Royal Bank,
Shoppers Drug Mart,
Summerland Motel,
Summerland Waterfront Resort,
Tim Hortons,
True Grain Bread and
Waste Connections of Canada. Thank you also to our silver sponsors:
Retirement Concepts and
Wicom Solutions and our white sponsors:
BMO Bank of Montreal,
Bartlett Tree Experts,
CIBC,
Nigel’s Electrical and
Petkau InfoTech.
There’s a special addition to the festival weekend this year: the
Kettle Valley Steam Railway is introducing two new
Fall Festive Trains running on Saturday, November 25
th so book your family’s tickets today. And don’t miss the 7
th Annual
Light Up the Vines on Nov. 18th, 25-26th. Light up weekend is the best winter fun to be had in the valley. Hope to see you there!
Christine Petkau, Executive Director
|
|
"Member Monday" Campaign shows local support
|
|
On October 2nd we kicked off Small Business month with our new Member Monday campaign. We feature a new business member every Monday on social media to tell the stories of local small business owners in Summerland, and we weren't shocked to find out how incredibly supportive the community has been!
Learn more about business owners in your community here:
We want to feature you!
Send in 2-3 high resolution photos (including one head shot) and a brief description of yourself and your business services to membership@summerlandchamber.com
Some questions to consider in your submission:
- Where are you from?
- Why did you choose to open a business in Summerland?
- How long have you been in business?
- What involvement do you have with the community (either personal or business-related)
- What do you like to do on your spare time?
- Where is the future of your business going?
Note: All submissions must be sent in by the owners of the business, and you must be a member of the Summerland Chamber of Commerce. Submissions will be featured on a first come, first serve basis.
|
|
Upcoming Chamber Event
Business After Business
November 21st @ Union Kitchen
5:00pm - 7:00pm
New members will be attending to introduce themselves - come and give them a warm welcome!
|
|
BC Chamber launches Collective Perspective Survey
|
|
The BC Chamber is working hard, trying to find out what is on BC's mind.
"Our 2016 province-wide Collective Perspective survey captured results from 1,200 businesses of all sizes representing all sectors of the economy, and from all regions of the province. We discovered a strong confidence among the business community in both the current health of their businesses and their future outlook on the economy.
This year, we are drilling down deeper into the issues to see if anything has changed. Insights gathered from this survey feed directly into the BC Chamber's advocacy efforts.
So we want to hear what's on YOUR mind, so we can use and share this data with our members, making BC a province wired for insight"
|
|
|
Did we mention you have the chance to win a $500 Air Canada Voucher?
|
|
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Assocation and Destination BC seeking input for Destination Development Plan in South Okanagan
|
"Destination British Columbia (DBC), in partnership Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, has been working with tourism partners on a Destination Development Plan for the South Okanagan.
The survey provides an important overview of the strengths and challenges of the planning area as a destination for visitors. It is considered an integral component of the destination planning program, providing collective input that will help inform planning discussions and assist in highlighting areas for particular attention."
|
|
Affordable Offices for Rent - Great Highway Location
Large office – 10 x 13 ft – $450 per month
Medium office – 9.5 x 10 ft $375 per month
Two offices are available for rent in the Summerland Visitor Centre. Both have large windows with lots of natural light and include the following:
- Heat, Water, Electric, Internet
- Separate Entrance
- Common area for additional shelving
- Basement storage area
- Washroom Facilities
- Coffee Area
- Parking
- Convenient access off the highway
- Cleaning of shared spaces
- Use of Board room once a month
Please email
Christine Petkau
or call 250-494-2686 if you would like to discuss this opportunity.
|
|
Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen and GreenStep Solutions want your input
|
|
The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen and GreenStep Solutions are working to improve commercial recycling in the region through a business education program, and this survey will help them to hear what businesses have to say about recycling.
Those who complete the survey can enter for a chance to win a local getaway prize package from Watermark Beach Resort.
|
Did we mention this survey has a prize as well?
|
|
|
Show your support for the 30th Annual Festival of Lights through a White Sponsorship
|
|
Make sure you are part of this highly visible community event as a Festival of Lights White Sponsor!
Sponsorship provides many benefits, promoting your business and brand to an audience of thousands.
Sponsorship is proven to enhance the audience's emotional connection to the sponsor's brand through their experience with the event or activity. As the largest winter event in Summerland and surrounding areas the Festival of Lights is a wonderful and unforgettable experience! Become a White Sponsor today and make your impact!
Here is an excellent article and infographic explaining the postive impact sponsorship can have for your business during large events such as the Festival of Lights.
|
|
Upcoming Community Events
|
|
Various Dates
Nov 5
Nov 18, 25-26
|
|
Nov 24
Nov 24 - Dec 24
Nov 25
|
|
Help us provide the information you need. Please send us any suggestions or feedback you have on this newsletter, we would love to hear from you.
membership@summerlandchamber.com
|
|
Contact our membership department to discuss your benefits and marketing opportunities including:
- enhanced listings
- web ads
- member to member e-blast
- and more!
|
|
Summerland Chamber of Commerce | 250-494-2686 | summerlandchamber.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
